The Region

A Southern California Rapid Transit District bus driver who was involved last week in an accident that injured 26 people was fired--partly because a drug test revealed traces of marijuana, RTD officials said. Driver Clarence G. Brown Jr, 31, of Panorama City said he will appeal the firing, however, because he believes his case is being used "as an example." Field sobriety tests given Brown by police after his bus rear-ended another bus in Studio City showed no indication that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol; he was not cited for any traffic violation nor were charges filed against him. Brown told The Times that he had been present in a room where marijuana was being used the night before the accident, but he denied smoking it.